Where to Dine in Santa Ynez Valley
Fantastic margaritas, pasta, and more.
Are you looking for the best dining that Santa Ynez Valley has to offer? There is a wide range of incredible restaurants to choose from throughout the area, including menus of fantastic wine, great margaritas, and more. Make sure you check out these three must-visit restaurants.
S.Y. Kitchen is an excellent Italian restaurant in Santa Ynez Valley you don’t want to miss. At this popular spot, you'll find several homemade pasta options, including unique favorites that offer the benefits of Italian comfort food in a fantastic environment. Explore favorite options like wood-fired pizza, including Ham and Wild Mushroom Pizza or Burrata and Sausage Pizza, or check out the Pan-roasted Mediterranean Sea Bream or T-Bone Truffle Sliders.
With so many awesome menu selections, deciding what you want to eat is the hardest part. Like many of the restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley, S.Y. Kitchen also has a fantastic wine selection. You can purchase wines by the glass or by the bottle for the perfect way to offset your meal.
Of course, no luxury dining experience would be complete without dessert, and S.Y. Kitchen certainly delivers. You can experience a Yuzu White Chocolate Pot de Creme, Tiramisu, or fantastic gelato to round off your meal as you enjoy the many flavors of Italy and everything they have to offer.
At Nella Kitchen and Bar, you'll find a stunningly gorgeous environment and incredible dishes that are sure to delight and impress. Get your meal started with unique options like Asian Pear Salad or specialty Nonna Nella Meatballs. Enjoy a variety of fantastic main dishes, including lamp chops, Filet Mignon, and more. Finally, round off your meal with a selection of amazing dessert choices, including Alessio's Belgian Cookie Gelato or a selection of profiteroles.
Nella's Kitchen and Bar is also known for its selection of specialty cocktails. Check out the Gold Rush, which includes bourbon, Amaro, honey, lemon, and Meyer Bitters, or Mama Shelter, which includes Madre Matte Mezcal, Suze gentian, Lillet, pineapple, yuzu soda, and mint. There are also zero-proof cocktails for those who prefer not to drink, including options like Purple Sky, Green Mile, and Rose Lemonade. The restaurant is also known for its stunning wines by the glass.
The best margaritas in town are at the Red Barn, where you'll also find a terrific selection of dishes ranging from top sirloin to Scottish salmon, New Zealand leg of lamb, and more. There's something for everyone, including fantastic salads and starters like Jumbo Mexican White Shrimp and Chinese Chicken Salad to help get your meal off to a great start.
The Red Barn offers a wide selection of drinks, including port wines, coffee, and cognac. It's a great place to sit back with friends and enjoy laughter, fun, and connection. As you linger over your last drink of the evening, don't forget to check out the dessert options, including Sweet Corn Pudding Cheesecake, Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake, Almond Joy Bar, or house-made sorbet and ice cream.
The Santa Ynez Valley is filled with impressive eateries. These three restaurants, however, showcase some of the best the valley has to offer. With so many lovely dishes to choose from, you may find yourself returning to these favorite restaurants again and again as you explore everything they have to offer, from excellent margaritas and cocktails to fine wine and specialty dining experiences. Check them out today to start enjoying the best of Santa Ynez Valley.
